When the Governor General speaks out; when a feminist T-shirt spurs criticism; and the state of our school boards – readers have strong opinions on them all. You can write to us too, at letters@ottawacitizen.com

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Cheers for the Governor General

Re: Mockery never the answer, Nov. 4.

There is no denying that the Governor General represents all Canadians, even those with differing views. But that cannot and should not deny her the right to use her high office to correct misconceptions and outright incorrect views held by “a disturbingly large proportion of the population.”

The writer of this article states that it is precisely because far too many people accept at “face value any nonsense they stumble across on Twitter … that the world ends up with people like Donald Trump in positions of enormous power.” Is it not, therefore, a good thing that our very well educated, scientific and modern Governor General uses her pulpit to speak out against that same sort of ignorance?

It would be too much to expect elected leaders, dependent on votes, to be so forthright. Their efforts to correct widely held misconceptions will necessarily be more circumspect and, hence, less effective. If we are to avoid the consequences of that sort of ignorance continuing to prevail in large sections of our population, we have to be more proactive in countering it.

With our small population, we simply cannot afford to encourage “a disturbingly large proportion” to wallow in disinformation, fake news and other beliefs at odds with established science. A modern, scientifically educated Governor General is an asset and a fantastic role model for our youth. Let us use her rather than try to stifle her.

Farrokh Kapadia, Ottawa

This T-shirt doesn’t threaten anyone

Re: The future really is female, not male – and it’s not fair, Oct. 30.

David Millard Haskell either did not read my initial letter about my T-shirt, or misinterpreted my message.

I believe in freedom of expression. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including the teacher who questioned my T-shirt. The interaction with the teacher was a positive experience, and I thanked her for giving me the opportunity to stand up for what I believe in.

Haskell’s statistics do not change the fact that as a 17-year-old Canadian, I have never had a female prime minister; only five per cent of Canadian Tech companies have female CEOs; and my great-grandmothers were not considered persons under Canadian law, and it frustrates me. I can’t do anything about the past but I can work to change the future.

I wear my “The Future is Female” shirt with pride. I don’t do it to make anyone feel bad. I wear it because it reminds my younger sisters and my female peers that they can, and will, do amazing things in their futures.

I have two older brothers who are not threatened by me or my T-shirt. If Haskell, or any readers, would like to read my letter, they can find it through this link.

Erica Brown, Guelph, Ont.

There’s nothing ‘modern’ about school system

Re: A few tips on challenges of modern schooling, Nov. 6.

Thanks to Mary Ellen Kot for her insightful comments on the shortcomings of our school system. My only criticism would be the use of the word “modern” to describe the current fiasco we have for a school system. The word “modern” implies being innovative and responsive, but I don’t think that applies.

What we have are underfunded school boards fighting for taxpayer money, ill-equipped to deal with the realities of today’s students and families. Teachers struggling to deal with children with autism, ADHD, OCD, ODD and recognized learning disabilities. Low-income, dual-income and single-parent families striving to address the issues presented by children with special needs.

Rather than focusing on the needs of our children, the school system in Ontario is predicated on the prejudices of our society. Do we really need four school boards and the associated costs they entail? Meanwhile, there’s the need for schools to provide psychological testing and various forms of accommodation and assistance for children in need.

When it comes to providing the care and attention these children deserve, our “modern” school system has a failing grade.

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